Wildcats See Cracks In No. 7 Ohio State

COLLEGE - The Beat

Two years ago, Northwestern was struggling, on its way to a 3-9 mark that included one win in the Big Ten while Ohio State was headed for an undefeated season and its fourth national championship.

But when the Buckeyes came to Evanston, Ill., for a rare night game that year, the Wildcats gave them more of a fight than anyone could have imagined. The final score was 27-16, but Northwestern missed two field goals, had to settle for field goals on two other possessions inside the Ohio State 10, and had a touchdown wiped out by a questionable call in the second quarter.

"They were national champions that year and we were [3-9]," senior defensive tackle Luis Castillo said. "We gave them a great game, and that let us know they are beatable. Going into that game, I don't know if many guys believed we could [beat them].

"Going into this one, we know we can play with them."

Tonight's game at Northwestern would seem to be another lopsided matchup. The No. 7 Buckeyes are undefeated (3-0) and rested after having last week off. They also have a 24-game winning streak against Northwestern dating to 1972. The Wildcats are 1-3, and their defense has been hampered by injuries.

But Ohio State has its weaknesses. The Buckeye defense is holding opponents to 261 yards of offense per game and just 3.9 yards per play, but it has allowed 383 yards rushing in three games. Last year's defense gave up 810 yards on the ground the entire year.

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